HC Deb 06 July 1899 vol 74 cc37-8
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the name of the gentleman whom it is in contemplation to appoint as an additional Judge of the Chancery Division of the High Court will be communicated to the House of Commons before the House is invited to vote public funds for the establishment of this additional judgeship.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

No, Sir; to do so would be contrary to all precedent.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Was not the course I suggest followed in the case of the appointment of Judge O'Hagan?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

That appointment of a Judge in the High Court of Ireland was of an exceptional character, and certainly does not carry with it the general principle which the hon. Member assumes.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Pigott Commissioners——

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. COGHILL (Stoke-upon-Trent)

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the report of the Bar Committee, which points out a great waste of judicial time?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I answered a question as to that on Tuesday. I do not think it has any relation to the question on the Paper.

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